CONSERVATION COMPASS > FUNDING

Farmers for Soil Health

Modified On
April 6, 2026

A program made by farmers for farmers, this is a USDA grant funded initially by the Climate Smart Program (Now known as the Advancing Markets For Producers program). New in 2026, payments are $35 per acre for all farmers, not just those who are new to cover crops.

Info at a Glance

Lead Organization

Iowa lead: Iowa Soybean Association

Funding Source

Public (Federal)

Agronomist Support?

Yes, from an ISA Conservation Agronomist

Eligibility:

New and continuing acres

Location

Statewide

Contract Length

1 year

Deadline

April 1 to Aug 31

Sign-up Process

Contact an ISA agronomist for help. Signing up requries logging onto the FSH platform, submitting survey questions, documentation, and secondary verification. Before payment, DTN conducts remote sensing to confirm cover crops.

Pros and Cons

  • Will stack with state Water Quality Initiative funding (most federally funded programs do not, but this one does)
  • Conservation Agronomist support from Iowa Soybean Association
  • Simple, flat rate for all producers even if they've planted cover crops before, making it a great option for early adopters of cover crops
  • Program for sure available through 2026; 2027 and beyond are TBD
  • Ongoing renegotiations happening due to USDA changes


Rates:

$35/acre

Notes:

2,000 acre cap

Helpful Links

Program Website

CONTACT IAWA Find Conservation Agronomist Conservation Compass home

Stacks well with:

Always check with program rep before signing up for multiple programs. Learn more about stacking here.

Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF)

Run by AgOutcomes, a subsidiary of Iowa Soybean Association, SWOF is a carbon inset program that pays farmers for environmental outcomes. It’s great for farmers with long term goals becasue you can add new practices every year to potentially increase your rates.


Learn more

Water Quality Initiative (WQI)

This state incentive is popular because it’s easy to sign up for and accepts both new and continuing acres; but sign up early. Funds are first come, first served.


Learn more

Practical Farmers of Iowa Cover Crop Program

PFI offers a straightforward program that many farmers come back to year after year for its ease of use and easy stackability with public funding.


Learn more

Looking for help?
Search our Agronomist Directory.

AGRONOMIST DIRECTORY